This is how to furnish the perfect nursery

A children's room is more than just a place to sleep - it is a space where your child can play, learn, dream and grow up. As children go through different developmental stages, the function of their room changes with them. In this guide, you will discover how to create the ideal kids' room for each age stage.

The size of your child's room

How much space does your child actually need? This varies according to age, of course. As a guideline you can keep in mind:

• Babies: about 6m²
• Children: approximately 9m²
• Teenagers: about 12m²

Do you have a smaller space available? No worries! With these tips, you can visually create more space:

• Choose light colours and avoid dark furniture. Beige is a calming colour that makes the room look bigger.
• Use a clothes rack instead of a large wardrobe. Consider a cot with storage drawers to make the most of the space under the bed.
• Mount wall shelves for small items such as toiletries or toys.

Checklist: What do you need for a nursery?

To get you started, we've put together an overview of the basics for a kids' room:

Sleep

• Children's bed
• Mattress
• Duvet
• Molton
• Fitted sheets
• Pillowcase
• Duvet covers
• Bedside table

Floor and lighting

• Floor and/or rug
• Night light
• Pendant lamp
• Floor and/or desk lamp
• Window coverings

Furniture and storage

• Children's desk
• Desk chair
• Wardrobe
• Clothes hangers
• Storage box
• Coat rack

Extras

• Relaxation area for playing
• Alarm clock
• Books and magazines
• Posters/photos

How to furnish a baby room?

A baby room is primarily for sleeping, nursing and feeding. This furniture is indispensable:

Cot or cot: Choose a safe place, preferably in a corner against a wall for a secure feeling. Never place the cot near:

• Loose cords or cords
• Electrics
• Heaters
• Directly under a window
• Changing table: Make sure it is at the right height and keep all care products within easy reach.
• Wardrobe: Handy for storing clothes and other baby stuff that doesn't fit in the dresser.
• Feeding chair: A comfortable armchair is essential for night feeds or rocking your baby to sleep.

Baby room styling
When decorating a baby's room, you have all the freedom. Consider these tips:

• Opt for a theme or a neutral colour scheme
• Use calm wallpaper with a subtle print to keep the room uncluttered
• Place a soft rug for warmth and comfort
• Add atmosphere with a canopy over the cot
• Personalise with books, cuddly toys and other accessories

Nursery for toddlers

Once your child moves out of the baby phase, the function of the room changes. Toddlers and preschoolers need:

• A safe play space
• Storage space for toys at child height
• A place to craft and draw
• A bed that suits their growing independence
• Choose furniture that can take a beating and is easy to clean. Provide plenty of storage space so your child can grab and put away toys by themselves.

Nursery for schoolchildren
Schoolchildren need a place where they can do homework, play and retreat. Consider:

• A desk with good lighting
• Bookshelves for school books and reading books
• A comfortable bed
• Personalised decoration that reflects their interests
• Sufficient storage space for their growing collections

Teen room

Teenagers need privacy and a space that expresses their personality. A teenager's room should be multifunctional:

• A spacious bed
• A desk for homework and computer
• Comfortable seating area for friends
• Ample closet space for clothes
• Space for hobbies and interests
• Personalised styling that reflects their identity

Practical tips for every age

• Involve your child in furnishing: Let them think about colours and accessories appropriate to their age.
• Think about the future: Choose furniture that grows with your child or is easy to adapt.
• Create zones: Create clear areas for sleeping, playing, learning and storage.
• Provide good lighting: A combination of general lighting, task lighting and mood lighting.
• Choose durable materials: Children can be hard on their stuff, so choose quality that can take a beating.
• Keep it practical: Make sure the room is easy to keep clean and that your child can clean up after himself.
• Make it personal: Let the room reflect your child's personality and interests.

A well-designed nursery grows with your child and offers the perfect balance between functionality and fun. By taking into account the different stages of life, you create a space where your child feels at home and can develop optimally.